Trinity Lodge No. 14, A.F. & A.M.

Moses L. Choate, who gave Livingston its townsite, was a charter member of Trinity Lodge No. 14, according to an East Texas News report on his new marker. A Tennessee native, he arrived in March 1834 on a league of land in what was then Liberty County, built a water-powered mill, kept a store and served as justice of the peace. By 1840 he owned 6,642 acres. He was postmaster in 1847 and a county commissioner in 1848. He died before December 1867, and his widow and family moved to Karnes County.

What the plaque says

Trinity Lodge No. 14, A.F. & A.M. In 1840 this Masonic Lodge was organized in the pioneer town of Swartout (Swartwout) (6 mi. SW) in what was then Liberty County. After erecting a two-story building, the Masons assisted in organizing the first school in the area and furnished the lower floor of the Lodge for school use. Members gave money for salaries, tuition, and supplies. The Masons furnished the building for the first school in Livingston after moving the Lodge here in 1846. The school used their building until 1908. Trinity Lodge has met at this site since 1970 and has taken an active part in promoting education in Polk County. (1983)

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Dunbar High School — 0.5 mi
• Early Indian Trails — 0.5 mi
• Chief John Blount — 0.5 mi
• Livingston — 0.7 mi